The Hidden Danger of Water Pooling Around Your Faucet Base

A little water around the faucet base might not seem like a big deal—but it’s one of the most overlooked causes of sink and countertop damage. When water repeatedly pools in this area, it slowly works its way beneath the surface.

Most faucet bases rely on gaskets or sealant to prevent water intrusion. Over time, these seals degrade due to movement, temperature changes, and mineral buildup. Once compromised, water begins seeping underneath.

The danger is what you don’t see. Moisture trapped beneath the faucet promotes mold growth, weakens mounting hardware, and damages countertops—especially laminate or wood-based materials.

Ignoring this issue often leads to loose faucets, musty odors, or bubbling countertop edges. By the time symptoms appear, damage is already underway.

The fix may be as simple as resealing the base with silicone—or it may require faucet replacement.

At I Hate My Sink, we always inspect faucet bases during sink installs. Preventing hidden water damage is just as important as fixing visible leaks.

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